Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

Source: PIB

🔷 Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a ₹24,000 crore/year scheme for six years (2025–2031), aimed at accelerating agricultural development in 100 low-performing districts across India.

✅ What is PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana?

A targeted agricultural transformation programme focused on low-productivity, low-credit, and moderate crop intensity districts through the convergence of multiple central schemes.

• Announced in: Union Budget 2025–26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
• Coordinated by: Ministry of Agriculture
• Strategic support: NITI Aayog

💰 Budget & Duration:

• ₹24,000 crore per year
• Total duration: 6 years (2025–26 to 2030–31)

🎯 Core Objectives:

1. Boost Agricultural Productivity
   • Address yield gaps with modern agri-scientific practices and tech adoption
2. Promote Crop Diversification
   • Encourage sustainable, climate-resilient, and high-value crops
3. Strengthen Post-Harvest Infrastructure
   • Create panchayat/block-level cold storages and logistics hubs
4. Expand Irrigation Coverage
   • Rejuvenate and extend irrigation networks for water efficiency
5. Improve Credit Access
   • Facilitate short- and long-term credit through institutional finance

🔑 Key Features:

• Convergence of 36 central schemes from 11 ministries (e.g., RKVY, PMKSY, PMFBY)
• District Agriculture & Allied Plan will be prepared by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti
  • Chaired by the District Collector and includes progressive farmers
• 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tracked monthly via a National Dashboard
• Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) deployed for field monitoring and oversight
• Partnership with Agricultural Universities and Technical Institutions for knowledge-sharing

📍 District Selection Criteria:

• Based on:
  • Low agricultural productivity
  • Moderate cropping intensity
  • Low agricultural credit flow
• At least one district per state/UT
• Fund allocation based on net cropped area and number of operational holdings

Gujarat Launches India’s First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project

Source: HET

🔷 Context:
Gujarat has become the first Indian state to launch a Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, aiming to create a reference genetic database to improve healthcare access for tribal populations.

✅ What Is It?

A pioneering genomic research initiative to sequence the genomes of 2,000 tribal individuals across 17 districts of Gujarat for enhancing precision medicine.

Launched By: Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC)

🎯 Objectives:

• Identify genetic risk markers for inherited disorders like:
  🔹 Sickle Cell Anaemia
  🔹 Thalassemia
  🔹 Hereditary Cancers
• Develop personalised healthcare protocols based on tribal genetic profiles.
• Use science-led empowerment to bridge the health equity gap.

🔑 Key Features:

• Equipped with advanced infrastructure for sample collection, DNA sequencing, and data analysis.
• Focus on natural immunity markers and customised medical interventions.
• Community engagement for inclusive awareness and participation.
• Covers diverse tribal groups across 17 districts to ensure broad representation.

🌟 Significance:

• 🏥 Healthcare Equity: Enables early detection & targeted treatment of genetic diseases.
• 📊 Data-Driven Public Health: Creates a genomic baseline for future research and policymaking.
• 🇮🇳 National Model: Sets a replicable example for other states to develop region-specific genomic initiatives.